When I was younger, I did some solo traveling.  Somehow I always managed to find people to hang out with.  I never thought about loneliness. I feel like you need to be adventuresome and fairly outgoing. Here's the thing, you need to do a little research before you go. Once you go on a solo trip or two, you will gain the confidence to make the most of the city on your own.  Each situation is a little different.  You may find it easy to meet people in an English speaking country, but once you cross over to a country where you don't speak the language, it will be different. Here are some ways to help you alleviate the loneliness.

Seek Out Others
Usually I join in on some group tourism activity, like a walking tour or a cooking class—something where like-minded people are around. All it takes is a quick 'hello' and you're making new friends. More often than not people are really open to solo travelers, and I’m regularly taken under people’s wings. Sometimes when I’m lonely, I’ll go someplace that’s really crowded like a market or local mall; a few hours spent wandering around in crowded spaces is enough to make me happy and grateful to return home alone.

Use Meetup to Find Others with Common Interests
 Meetup is a social media platform that's about locals finding people who share their interests, but it can be used by travelers to the city as well. For instance, look for a Meetup that concentrates on the area you are going to.  You may find others going to the same spot at the same time.  If not, you will find people that have an interest in that area and can give you a lot of good tips. For example, if you like hiking, you may get a lot of good information about trails in the area you are visiting. They may even give you names of people to connect with when you get there. 

Find Friends at Mealtime
Make friends at breakfast. Breakfast is a wonderful meal to linger over when you’re traveling alone. Read a book, plan for the day, chat with the staff—that’s when they're likely to be much less busy. Make lunch lighter, as you’re on the go, and make dinner, which can feel so self-conscious, a snack at the bar with a glass of wine. It’s quick, casual, and very much lets you merge into the crowd in ways that sitting alone at a table in a dining room might make harder. Happy Hour is also a great time to meet people. 

Become Part of the Neighborhood
Take advantage of the time you have to meet people from the area. Go for a walk and visit neighborhoods. Sit in cafés and local restaurants. Even go to supermarkets or street markets and pick out groceries for your hotel room. It is a part of everyday life and can be comforting.

Enjoy Alone Time
It’s about changing your mindset. Instead of focusing on all the activities your not doing or moments you are not sharing with someone, focus on all the things you get to do because you are solo. Lounge in a bathtub for 30 minutes? Read a book at a café? Make an itinerary that’s 100 percent filled with what you want to do? Sleep late or get up early and enjoy the sunrise. Lounge around for the morning without feeling guilty. 

​No matter what you do, challenge yourself to do something different.  Something you may not do when you are with a friend. You may want to climb a mountain, try new foods, a cooking class or a biking expedition.  Classes are a great way to meet people and share the culture.  People may even take you under their wing. If safety is a concern, join a group tour.  

Judy Peterson,
Peterson Travel Pros
​#Solo Travel

​The Lead Up
I packed my bag and brought a few masks and shields to help protect me. I decided to only use a carry on so I wouldn't have to check it at the counter. I didn't want to be surrounded by people standing in line.
When I got to the airport, I looked for the security line. I have Pre-Check where there was only a 2 minute wait. However, for those of you who don't have pre-check, expect a long wait. My friend that was with me didn't get pre-check and she waited in line for at least 30 minutes. It seemed like they weren't giving free pre-check to anyone.
Security has also changed. At some airports I have to pull out my computer, even with pre-check, when going through security. It didn't happen this time. It seemed like not all the security lines had the technology for this. I guess I just lucked out.

There were no bells or buzzers as I went through the screen process. It was nice and smooth.
I have to say that I have been on another trip since Mexico, later in March, and the airport was more crowded. I think as more people get vaccinated, the airports will be more crowded. I had a stop in Dallas Fort Worth and my flight took off at 10 pm. There were a lot of people traveling at that time. The gates in my area were full and people were coming and going often.

I flew Sun Country and it was not crowded. The plane may have been half full on the way there and back. I feel like Sun Country's exchange policy may have something to do with that. They charge a full change fee if you make a change within 7 days of your flight. Lots of people don't want to take the risk with the possibility of having to quarantine before they come back.

​Checking In
When we arrived at our resort, we had to have masks on in the lobby. I was very grateful that people were being vigilant. You didn't have to wear a mask in the pool area or on the beach. Even when we went downtown, people were wearing masks on the street.

Resort Atmosphere
Our resort was only occupied 30%, but some of the beaches were crowded. It looked like it was a lot of local people. Also, we took a city tour and the excursion was 80% Mexicans. However, we booked a drive through the mountains to the city of Talpa. We lucked out and had our own private tour.

One of the things I really enjoy when I travel, is meeting people. There were still plenty of people to talk too. Even though there were a lot of vacant rooms, there was still an energy around the resort that was very pleasant. The resort had a welcome party and a Mexican fiesta with lots of dancing and singing. The si restaurants were all open, but some nights one or two of them were closed. The resort next door seemed to have a wedding every night. We were treated to their fireworks as we sat outdoors eating dinner.

The time at the resort went by fast. We couldn't believe it was time to get our COVID tests already. We were the first ones scheduled for the day, so no waiting line. The results were ready later in the afternoon.
I was very happy to have left the cold environment of Minnesota for a well needed vacation in Puerto Vallarta. The people are very friendly, lots of things to do, and the sun was amazing. I really enjoyed the 7:00 sunsets every evening.
​

​Excursions
One of the events we went on was a Yelapa and Majahuitas Adventure. It was a day long activity starting at the marina. We left the dock around 9 am a cruised to Majahuitas Beach. As we sailed there we saw dolphins and beautiful rock formations. It was a true day in paradise including a secluded beach surrounded by palm trees and turquoise waters,snorkeling, kayaking, banana boating and paddle boarding!  On the way, we even spotted whales. After our beach experience we sailed to Yelapa where we walked through the quaint town to nice waterfalls. After returning, we enjoyed the beach where we saw severl people wind surfing. It was only $40 for a nice ride. On the way back to Puerto Vallarta we were entertained by the crew with lively songs and dance. It couldn't have been better.

​Book Now
We had a great time, made friends, and enjoyed the sunshine. Remember, an adventure a day keeps the doctor away. Now is the time to book your dream trip. Usually you only need to put down around $200/person for the deposit and pay the remainder 60 days before the trip. Most companies are very flexible since COVID in regard to changing dates. Let me know if you'd like help planning a trip.  E-mail Info@PetersonTravelPros.com
​Judy Peterson, Travel Advisor

It was my first trip since the pandemic started back in March of 2020.  I couldn't have picked a better spot than the warm, friendly town of Puerto Vallarta. As soon as we arrived, the sun hit our faces and we felt like we were in paradise.  If you want nice beaches, friendly people, fresh food, a variety of activities at an economical price, Puerto Vallarta is the place to go. The resort we stayed at was only occupied at 30%, but things are picking up. You have very few lines to wait in.

Today I'll start my story about our excursion to Mascota and Talpa, small towns in the hills outside of Puerto Vallarta.  For the next few days, enjoy my stories about the trip.

Today we took a trip to Talpa and Mascota. These are beautiful little towns that are nestled in the fertile valleys of the Sierra Madre Mountains. Be prepared for a a windy drive.

As we were driving up the mountain we stopped at the Hacienda San Sebastian Distillery. It was not too early for a sample of their Almond Tequila. Tequila comes in all flavors including chocolate, coffee, and Recces Pieces. While in Mexico, we visited three different distilleries. The dessert tequilas were my favorite.

Mascota is known as the land of deer and snakes. It is located between Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta. We visited the town square and market where you can enjoy the tasty treats and local products. They have a 100 year old church called Nuestra Senora de Los Dolores. The construction started in 1905 and remains incomplete to this day as a result of the Mexican Revolution. The square right outside the church is beautiful with flowers, gazebo, and benches. We stopped at the Navidad restaurant that I highly recommend. Fresh food with authentic Mexican spices made me think I was in heaven. I had the grilled beefsteak. It came with beans, salad, vegetables, taco chips, salsa, and guacamole for $5. It is a small quaint city, that brings back memories of old Mexico. One town wall was painted with a lovely mural of the history of the area. There is also a volcano 3 miles Northeast of the city.

We also visited a monastery that was never completed. The grounds are beautiful and the history behind the monastery interesting. There was a tunnel built so that people could escape underground, but it lead to a hacienda where the bad guys were waiting for them. They were all executed when they arrived.

​Talpa is world famous for its pilgrimages to the stately church, Basilica de Nuestra Senora del Rosario Talpa, that shelters the beloved Virgen del Rosairo. During the plague of 1660 many people died. After putting their faith in her, have seen miracles. During the plague many people banned together and petitioned the Virgin for relief from the plague and within three days they received what they asked for, no more people died and no more sickness in the land. Families walk for two or three days to reach the church. On the way there are small chapels to pray. Many people make the pilgrimage to ask for help or give thanks to the Virgin for prayers answered. Many people claim that their lives have been completely transformed by prayers to her or just by making the trip to see her.

​The It's also known for its majestic landscapes and kind, welcoming people. The streets are cobblestone and you are sure to get a massage as you drive to the church, which is located in the main square of town. The square is surrounded by many shops with great deals. I thought the best deals were on candy, gum (made into cute baskets and flowers), sandals, and T-shirts. Talpa is known as the Mexican Willie Wonka. They are known for their candy. Queen Elizabeth made a trip to Talpa in 1983 when she was in Mexico. 

I recommend this trip if you want to learn more about the culture of Mexico and if you want to make the pilgrimage to the Basilica in Talpa.   

For more information contact info@PetersonTravelPros.com

​While you're there catch a concert. They have a lot of entertainment options including Denny Sanford Premier Center, Sioux Falls Arena, The District, and Orpheum Theater. You might want to stop at one of the many fine restaurants before a concert. While I was there I went to Minerva's. This was fabulous. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed my steak and salad dinner. They have everything from fancy to casual diners.

If you're lucky you'll be there during one of their festivals. It might be at River Festival happening in June or Jazz Fest or Hot Harley in July. Sioux Falls Empire Fair goes on in August and the downtown Zombie Walk is in October. So it doesn't matter if you go for the site's, the concerts, fine dining or just shopping, you will have a great time.

If you bring the kids drop by the Great Plains Zoo. Have a wonderful time exploring and seeing things from bison to penguins. If you ever think about moving to Sioux Falls, you'll find unemployment rates very low. However there are many, many jobs. They have a great medical system that can meet all your needs.

They have minor league and semi professional sports teams that play year round. Enjoy games at Denny Sanford Premier Center, Sioux Falls Arena, and Sioux Falls Stadium. For those of you that love wine and beer, there are several local wineries and breweries popping up all over Sioux Falls. Don't hesitate to bring your pet as there are several hotels that are pet friendly. If you like gaming they also have casinos.

Put Sioux Falls on your list for a weekend getaway this is perfect if you are from Minneapolis. You'll have a great time. It doesn't matter if you like sports, restaurants, scenery or relaxation you'll love it.  

• Airlines in the US each have a different approach to social distancing in the skies as no one policy fits all for the country's largest carriers. 
• Most airlines are requiring face coverings with more aggressive policies like blocking middle seats becoming scarce in the skies, despite initial attempts by some. 
• Some airlines are offering passengers the option to change their flights for free if they don't feel comfortable traveling on a crowded aircraft.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Airlines in the US are finding themselves at a crossroads. While a priority is driving up revenues to account for the heavy losses incurred in March, April, and May, the concern for the safety and comfort of passengers is also at the forefront and the two seldom complement each other without compromise. 
Each of the country's major airlines has taken a different approach to reconcile ways of increasing revenue with peace of mind for flyers. Travelers also are now factoring in health and safety when booking a flight, a decision that needed never weigh heavily on the minds of many prior to this pandemic.
Some carriers have gone to the extreme by blocking middle seats and flying extra flights to keep passenger loads light. Others are continuing on with business almost as usual, not requiring so much as a face covering for passengers. 

Most carriers in the US require their passengers to wear some form of face coverings, with only a small minority of airlines not mandating the practice now recommended by the Centers for Disease Control when social distancing isn't an option. Blocking middle seats and limiting flight loads has also been adopted by a few of the larger and mid-tier airlines, though some have abandoned that practice after seeing high demand on certain flights. 

Sun Country is limiting available middle seats onboard its Boeing 737 aircraft, only assigning them when aisle and window seats fill up, with an exception for passengers travelers together, according to its website.

Know your airlines and your airport.  
Here is what TSA is doing to help sanitize the area. https://www.tsa.gov/coronavirus
What Royal Caribbean is doing to prevent spread of COVID. ​https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-ships/the-royal-way-to-keeping-you-healthy

Partially taken from Business Insider  Thomas Pallini Jun 15, 2020

After several weeks hunkered down at home, a quick grocery store run is slightly exciting nowadays. As states phase in relaxed COVID-19 restrictions and the country slowly reopens, it’s hard to ignore the urge to get away – somewhere beyond the confines of your neighborhood.

From national parks and theme parks to hotels, restaurants and casinos –  the hospitality industry is taking serious steps to mitigate risk to their employees and guests. Disney World just announced their reopening July 11 with a litany of restrictions, like limiting the number of visitors, timed entry reservations, mandatory face masks, contactless payments, and temperature testing both guests and employees.

Even with restrictions and safety measures in place, you may wonder if traveling is worth the risk. While health officials from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the US Department of State’s Global Health Advisory advise against travel altogether, states that are opened for business, just in time for summer, are hoping people will choose to take advantage of deep discounts and cheap gas.

The latest statistics from GasBuddy suggest that some 31 percent of Americans are planning at least one road trip this summer. With gas below two dollars a gallon, it’s certainly tempting to take at least a day trip in the comfort and safety of your vehicle. And while there’s risk traveling during a pandemic, the rewards are enough to make many Americans venture out. So, if you plan on traveling this summer, here’s what to expect.

The travel and hospitality industry is going above and beyond to ensure your safety“The whole industry is pivoting to a different way of operating,” says Dr. Donna Quadri-Felitti,  Marvin Ashner Director and Associate Professor at The Pennsylvania State University School of Hospitality Management. “The hotel and restaurant industry is adapting their real estate for the needs of this crisis, to keep people safe.”
In early May, the American Hotel Lodging Association (AHLA) issued enhanced cleaning and safety guidelines. The “Stay Safe” initiative is focused on enhanced hotel cleaning practices and will seek to change hotel industry norms, behaviors and standards to ensure both hotel guests and employees are confident in the cleanliness of hotels as travel resumes.

Dr. Quadri-Felitti says technology has played a huge role in helping the industry continue to operate under a ‘new normal.’ Contactless check-in/check-out, keyless room entry, touchless elevators, virtual TV remotes and social distancing apps are being deployed by hotels across the world to keep visitors safe and comfortable.
Bigger hotel brands are rolling out their own heightened safety protocols. Starting in June, Hilton Worldwide will launch its “CleanStay” program – implementing contactless technologies in addition to rigorous cleaning practices advised by medical experts from the Mayo Clinic COVID-19 Response Team. Marriott International’s “Cleanliness Council” is testing ultraviolet light technology to sanitize guest keys and adding electrostatic sprayers to sanitize surfaces throughout the hotel.“Cleanliness and security has always been part of the hospitality industry. We are well-versed at  being highly regulated, very well-trained and monitored –  COVID-19 is just taking it to the next level. It’s business imperative that we don’t just meet CDC standards, but exceed them,” says Quadri-Felitti.

Rental propertiesLike traditional hotels, person-to-person home rental companies like AirBnB and Vrbo have updated their guidelines around cleaning. AirBnB updated their cleaning requirements for hosts to include new procedures such as wearing a mask and gloves when cleaning, wiping services with disinfectants made of bleach or 70% isopropyl alcohol in addition to traditional soaps, washing all linens in hot water, emptying vacuum after each use and more.

Vrbo also adapted their cleaning practices to the new reality of COVID-19. Their guidelines include focusing on high traffic areas of the rental when cleaning, and letting the property remain empty for at least 24-hours after a renter leaves.

Air travel takes a back seat to road trips Whether you’re planning an in-state day trip or a week-long getaway to a mountain rental, road travel provides flexibility and offers a safer, more isolated environment that airlines can’t compete with. And how you get there is just as important as your destination. Road warriors are looking for more inclusive travel and are turning to recreational vehicles and the great outdoors to distance themselves from others and commune with nature.

Self-contained travel If spending the night in a hotel or property rental is not your preference – recreational vehicles that offer self-contained travel are increasingly popular. RVshare, a rental marketplace similar to Airbnb, just announced they hit record numbers with a 650% rise in RV rental bookings since early April 2020.
Self-contained RVs provide transportation, accommodation, and a place to cook all in one – allowing travelers to better control their social distance. RV parks and private campground owners are preparing safety processes similar to hotels with specific plans for cleaning, disinfecting and maintaining distancing.

Wellness and wide-open spaces Naturally in a pandemic, people look for destinations that offer plenty of room to roam and less interaction with others. With many national parks set to reopen, parks staff, small business staff and owners are preparing for the surge of visitors itching to get outdoors.
Kara Maceross, program manager and guide for Lasting Adventures, a travel service that offers everything from day hikes, backpacking trips and summer camps in Yosemite National Park, started working last week and says business is already picking up. “We’re seeing way more bookings than we thought we would. People want to get out, and parents want their kids to enjoy the summer after months of being cooped up.”
Yosemite hasn’t officially opened (at the time of publication), but when it does, there will be fewer visitors and more restrictions. Visitor capacity will be reduced by about 50 percent to promote social distancing, and day visitors will be required to register for a pass to reserve entrance ahead of time through recreation.gov. Yosemite is one of the country’s most visited national parks, hosting more than 4.5 million travelers in 2019.
Maceross says that besides limiting travel groups to 10 members, they’re also temperature screening employees and camp visitors while implementing strict cleaning procedures for equipment coming back from excursions.
“Sanitizing gear, washing hands more frequently, wearing masks when welcoming guests, and coming up with team-building activities that require no contact is all part of the new norm.”

Advanced planning is requiredHowever you travel, it’s imperative to plan ahead. That means getting more information directly from the hotel or rental property and double-checking your destination’s rules before hitting the road. State, county and even town safety restrictions can change in an instant if COVID hot spots flare up, so frequent checks until the day you leave will help you make an informed decision on whether travel is safe or not.

Be prepared for check-ins and quarantinesIf you’re traveling from hot spots like New York, New Jersey, New Orleans and Connecticut, you may be required to quarantine for 14 days. Some states are installing checkpoints and requiring identification and address where visitors will be in quarantine.  Health care officials may also pay a visit at the address given for a health check. It’s a good idea to avoid states with quarantine restrictions if you want to explore the sights and sounds. The CDC has a website where you can check the current rules by state.
Cancellation policies Fortunately, cancellation policies are currently more generous than before. However, refunds and credits are up to the hotel, tour operator or travel business. Hotels typically allow cancellations up to 24 hours in advance, but rentals aren’t as lenient. Before booking travel, understand the cancellation policies in relation to state and local laws. Incentives to re-book rather than cancel are being offered by travel companies, airlines and cruise lines.

How your credit card can help you save on your road tripAs you make your travel plans, consider how you can strategically use your credit card to maximize your budget on the road. Credit cards that offer rewards on gas purchases can put cash back in your pocket on purchases you were already planning to make.

Top rewards cards for gas purchasesCiti Rewards+℠ CardThe Citi Rewards+℠ Card is a great card for a road trip because it offers a competitive 2X points on gas station and supermarket purchases (up to $6,000 a year, the 1X points). This credit card also comes with no annual fee, so it’s a good card for individuals on a budget.
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American ExpressThe Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express is a great option for families and solo road-trippers alike with its flat-rate 3 percent cash back at U.S. gas stations and 6 percent back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%). If you are thinking about taking a road trip with your family this summer, the Blue Cash Preferred Card will help you save money on food and gas.
Top rewards cards for hotels Hotel credit cards can help you make the most of your travel experience, especially if you tend to stay at the same brand of hotels wherever you travel. Additionally, there are some general travel cards that are also excellent for frequent travelers because of their broad range of travel rewards.

Citi Premier™CardCurrently, cardmembers earn 3X points on travel (which includes everything from gas station spending, to flights, cruises, parking, tolls, public transportation and more), 2X points on restaurants and entertainment and 1X points on everything else. Know that overhauls are coming to travel rewards and benefits, and depending on when you opened the card, changes could come as soon as August 23, 2020 or spring of 2021. You can read more about the upcoming changes, here.

The information about the Citi Premier Card has been collected independently by Bankrate.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®With the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, earn 3X points on dining and a broad range of travel and travel-related expenses (after earning your $300 travel credit). Because of its broad travel rewards range, which includes over 15+ travel categories, the card ensures that you’ll get rewarded no matter where you stay. Chase recently announced limited-time perks that will include rewards on grocery store purchases, dining and home improvement purchases. You can learn more about the limited-time benefits, here.

Pack your patience and learn to adjustWe would be remiss not to mention that safe travel isn’t just the responsibility of hotels, restaurants and popular destinations. Heeding state and local laws is imperative in keeping yourself and others safe. We’ll all need to modify our behavior and make adjustments so travel is possible this summer and for the rest of 2020.
​
​BankRate.com  5/31/2020

​Someone once said a stay-cation is like a cruise.

I'm not sure I agree, but I think there are similarities and differences

1. Staying at home you have a plethora of food in your fridge. You can make exactly what you want. If you want a midnight buffet, you can have one. Some of you may even have your own personal chef. On a cruise ship you have several options, buffet, sit down dinner, or poolside snack.
2. Entertainment choices at home seem endless. You can choose from a variety of movies and shows at home, especially if you have Netflix, Hulu, or Apple TV. You also have the option to stream new movies. If you want to turn on music, you can dance to what ever you want. If you play and instrument, you can perform your own live music. On a cruise ship you have live entertainment, but it may not be to your liking. You also have access to various movies, bingo, slots, and poolside entertainment
   
3. At home you have several educational experiences from taking a class, foreign language, to learning things on YouTube. There are some educational experiences on a cruise, especially when visiting a new city. You learn about the people, maybe take a cooking class, and sometimes get to try a new language.
   
4. At home you have access to the travel channel. You can go anywhere almost anytime. There are many programs they take you all over the world. When on a cruise, you also get to see many different places.
   
5. At home you can pick up a book any time. You can read in your back yard. When you're on a cruise, you might read a book. It could be on a beach, by the pool, or in your room.
   
6. Exercising at home is pretty simple: take a walk, put on an exercise video, run on the treadmill, or ride your bike. On a cruise ship you have a gym to go to, but you might have to wait for a machine. There are also a lot of active cruises that incorporate exercise into the itinerary including biking, kayaking, and hiking.
   
7. Shopping around your hometown is nice because you are familiar with the stores and there is usually a lot of them to choose from. On a ship, you might be inundated with specials on travel items such as hats, sun glasses, jewelry, and alcohol. At port, the stores are waiting for you, but you have a lot of competition from all the other cruise ships that docked at your port the same day.
8. Meeting new people may be a challenge at home. However, you can invite your neighbors over. It might have been awhile since you saw them. On a cruise ship, you have an opportunity to meet people from all over the world. You might be assigned to a table with people from a different country or meet some new people on an excursion. The sky is the limit for cruisers.

It doesn't matter how you vacation at home or on a ship. Make sure you are comfortable and enjoy your time. However, during the COVID-19 you might have to choose a stay-cation. During your time at home, take time to dream about where you want to go next. You might even turn on your TV and watch National Geographic or Rick Steves' Travel Show to get some ideas. For ideas on what to do during the Stay At Home period, check out- Silver Linings during COVID-19.